10-29-2009, 06:30 AM
Any more news Harold? Here is more about the teacher. The principal said that bringing the guns was more a case of show and tell. Doesn't make it any less wrong in my mind as a parent of a student.
'Kind of teacher I would want my kids to have'
Waukegan High teacher who nabbed gunman lauded
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October 29, 2009
By JUDY MASTERSON <!-- e --><a href="mailto:JMASTERSON@SCN1.COM">JMASTERSON@SCN1.COM</a><!-- e -->
WAUKEGAN -- Waukegan High School teacher Craig DeLost didn't stop to consider his own safety when he chased down a student who brought a 9mm semiautomatic handgun to school.
"It was one of those deals where you're not thinking too much, obviously," said DeLost, 35, the father of three young children. "Afterwards, I guess, I was pretty nervous."
The head varsity baseball coach and PE instructor was presented a letter of commendation from the Waukegan Police Department on Wednesday for his actions on the afternoon of Oct. 31 at the school's Washington Campus, 1011 Washington St.
» Click to enlarge image
Waukegan Police Chief Art Yancey, left, reads a letter honoring Craig DeLost, center, as Principal Steve Hamlin looks on.
(Michael Schmidt/News-Sun)
BASEBALL FUND-RAISER The community can show its appreciation for Coach Craig DeLost's bravery by participating in an upcoming Waukegan High School baseball fund-raiser, said Principal Steve Hamlin.
The Turkey Raffle will be held Nov. 21 at Booner's Place, 1210 Washington St., Waukegan.
For more information, contact DeLost at <!-- e --><a href="mailto:cdelost@wps.org">cdelost@wps.org</a><!-- e --> or Athletic Director David Perkins at <!-- e --><a href="mailto:dperkins@wps60.org">dperkins@wps60.org</a><!-- e --> .
It was about 1:30 p.m. when a student told DeLost that he saw another student with a gun. DeLost found several students huddled in the boys locker room looking at something, according to the commendation.
He heard what sounded like a gun being cocked and asked the boys what they were doing. One boy hid something behind his back, then fled. DeLost called for assistance and took up the chase, down a hall and outside through a neighborhood, finally grabbing the student and taking the firearm, which was not loaded.
"That was a brave thing you did," Waukegan Police Chief Artis Yancey told DeLost. "You went above and beyond your obligation to protect our students and community. You're the kind of teacher I would want my kids to have."
Waukegan Mayor Robert Sabonjian also thanked DeLost.
"Most people, when they see a gun, the usual reaction is to run the other way," Sabonjian said. "It took a good, calm, cool individual to do what you did."
DeLost was also presented with a Waukegan Police Department mug, engraved with the motto "To serve and protect," a replica police badge and whistle. Sgt. Brian Mullen remarked that he had viewed a security videotape and was impressed with DeLost's speed.
"This is awesome," DeLost said, then joked, "I was worried for two class periods, what's going on, I'm meeting the principal."
Waukegan High Principal Steve Hamlin said school personnel had been pushing for a celebration of the coach's heroism. Suggestions included an assembly and a drumline.
"As exciting as his action was, he really just likes to fly under the radar," Hamlin said.
Three 15-year-old boys and one 14-year-old boy, all Waukegan High students, have been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony.
Hamlin said it was believed the incident represented "a poor choice of show-and-tell rather than a threat." While no formal action has been taken by the school board, Hamlin said the "Safe and Drug Free School Act allows removal for up to two years" for such an offense.
DeLost and his family, including wife Amy, a 1994 graduate of Waukegan High, have been invited to the Waukegan City Council meeting Monday for presentation of an official city proclamation.
'Kind of teacher I would want my kids to have'
Waukegan High teacher who nabbed gunman lauded
Comments
October 29, 2009
By JUDY MASTERSON <!-- e --><a href="mailto:JMASTERSON@SCN1.COM">JMASTERSON@SCN1.COM</a><!-- e -->
WAUKEGAN -- Waukegan High School teacher Craig DeLost didn't stop to consider his own safety when he chased down a student who brought a 9mm semiautomatic handgun to school.
"It was one of those deals where you're not thinking too much, obviously," said DeLost, 35, the father of three young children. "Afterwards, I guess, I was pretty nervous."
The head varsity baseball coach and PE instructor was presented a letter of commendation from the Waukegan Police Department on Wednesday for his actions on the afternoon of Oct. 31 at the school's Washington Campus, 1011 Washington St.
» Click to enlarge image
Waukegan Police Chief Art Yancey, left, reads a letter honoring Craig DeLost, center, as Principal Steve Hamlin looks on.
(Michael Schmidt/News-Sun)
BASEBALL FUND-RAISER The community can show its appreciation for Coach Craig DeLost's bravery by participating in an upcoming Waukegan High School baseball fund-raiser, said Principal Steve Hamlin.
The Turkey Raffle will be held Nov. 21 at Booner's Place, 1210 Washington St., Waukegan.
For more information, contact DeLost at <!-- e --><a href="mailto:cdelost@wps.org">cdelost@wps.org</a><!-- e --> or Athletic Director David Perkins at <!-- e --><a href="mailto:dperkins@wps60.org">dperkins@wps60.org</a><!-- e --> .
It was about 1:30 p.m. when a student told DeLost that he saw another student with a gun. DeLost found several students huddled in the boys locker room looking at something, according to the commendation.
He heard what sounded like a gun being cocked and asked the boys what they were doing. One boy hid something behind his back, then fled. DeLost called for assistance and took up the chase, down a hall and outside through a neighborhood, finally grabbing the student and taking the firearm, which was not loaded.
"That was a brave thing you did," Waukegan Police Chief Artis Yancey told DeLost. "You went above and beyond your obligation to protect our students and community. You're the kind of teacher I would want my kids to have."
Waukegan Mayor Robert Sabonjian also thanked DeLost.
"Most people, when they see a gun, the usual reaction is to run the other way," Sabonjian said. "It took a good, calm, cool individual to do what you did."
DeLost was also presented with a Waukegan Police Department mug, engraved with the motto "To serve and protect," a replica police badge and whistle. Sgt. Brian Mullen remarked that he had viewed a security videotape and was impressed with DeLost's speed.
"This is awesome," DeLost said, then joked, "I was worried for two class periods, what's going on, I'm meeting the principal."
Waukegan High Principal Steve Hamlin said school personnel had been pushing for a celebration of the coach's heroism. Suggestions included an assembly and a drumline.
"As exciting as his action was, he really just likes to fly under the radar," Hamlin said.
Three 15-year-old boys and one 14-year-old boy, all Waukegan High students, have been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony.
Hamlin said it was believed the incident represented "a poor choice of show-and-tell rather than a threat." While no formal action has been taken by the school board, Hamlin said the "Safe and Drug Free School Act allows removal for up to two years" for such an offense.
DeLost and his family, including wife Amy, a 1994 graduate of Waukegan High, have been invited to the Waukegan City Council meeting Monday for presentation of an official city proclamation.